Witt Library

The Witt Library is a collection of reproductions after paintings, drawings and prints, of western art, covering the period 1200 to the present day. Original photographs and cuttings from published material are filed on open access shelves, organised alphabetically by artist within ‘national schools’. All major artists are represented in depth and one of the strengths of the library is its coverage of lesser-known artists, unparalleled elsewhere.

The collection contains approximately two million reproductions after works by 70,000 artists.

The photographic libraries house a rich and unique negative archive, including the De Laszlo Collection of Paul Laib negatives, documenting paintings and sculpture of artists working in London between 1900 and 1960.

The Witt Library is an essential resource for the serious study of art history and an invaluable source for anyone seeking illustrative material for the study of a whole range of subjects.

Access and Opening Times

Access to the Conway and Witt Libraries is by reader’s card, arranged on arrival. Cards are available at £10.00 for one year (£7.00 for Courtauld alumni and Friends of The Courtauld), £5.00 for one month, or £2.00 for one day or one single visit.

The library is open from Monday to Friday between the hours of 11am and 4pm, except at Christmas (Wednesday 21st December 2016 – Monday 2nd January 2017 inclusive), Easter (Thursday 13th – Tuesday 18th March 2017 inclusive) and Bank Holidays (Monday 1st and Monday 29th May 2017, Monday 28th and Tuesday 29th August 2017).